MACKAY PLEASED WITH TURNER PRIZE

Malky Mackay was glad to see Ben Turner commit to the club with such enthusiasm today, the deal being signed at the clubs Vale base after a Cardiff City Stadium training session.

“Ben was someone I looked at and was desperate to get into the club from the moment I got here,” he said today. “I was delighted when that happened and then even more so based on the fantastic season he had for us last year.

“Recently we’ve been speaking to him, along with his representatives on the prospect of extending his terms here and they’ve all been great to deal with. Ben is desperate to stay here and desperate to commit to Cardiff City for the longer term, which was music to my ears. He’s still only young and has all the potential to be a top, top centre-back. He’s doing very well at the moment and this new deal extends that partnership.”

Ben, at 24 is still young, but fast becoming known as one of the experienced heads in the camp. It’s something that pleases the City boss, especially with the talented young players pushing to make a breakthrough in the first team setup.

“We’ve got experienced players in our ranks, but also those who we look to nurture, while looking for new and young talent out there, aiming to bring them to and sell them the dreams and ideas of the club,” Malky continued. “We ask them to trust them with their careers and there are currently a good number of them here, holding a real affinity with the place.”

Some of our youngsters are now regulars in the squad, even to the extent of making first team appearances. This season it’s been to cover positions in defence, which could be the case again this weekend.

“In the last few weeks we’ve had to chop and change, bringing in the likes of Ben Nugent and Joe Ralls, along with Simon Lappin,” Malky said. “We knew that at some point it was likely that Mark would be out before Christmas and for Saturday it’ll be up to one of the other guys to step in and be at their best.”

From the bench or in the starting line-up, it’s about keeping yourself ready. Whoever gets the nod this weekend, at any time, it’s good to see that Malky has quality at his disposal.

Don’t miss the final home game before Christmas. This Saturday at 3pm, our annual Ambassador Day, Cardiff City host Peterborough United. Call 0845 345 1400 for tickets or buy online now.